NHBC reaffirms Midland Lead’s cast lead will remain acceptable in Standards 2016

Following the recent release of NHBC Standards 2016, a misunderstanding within the construction industry has emerged relating to the acceptable forms of weathering materials.

The new-look Standards for the house building industry were published in October, since then it has been suggested among industry professionals that the updated edition explicitly tells house builders to use BSEN 12588 rolled lead sheet in any home registered with NHBC.

In light of this misunderstanding, we would like to make clear that our company’s machine cast lead is also acceptable under the new NHBC 2016 Standard.

Boudewijn Tuinenburg, MD at Midland Lead: “While there have indeed been some changes in the new edition, such as a new design and enhanced guidance on a number of topics, NHBC’s acceptance of appropriate materials for weathering has not significantly changed, with our machine cast lead being covered under proprietary products.

“The authority has also contacted us regarding the misunderstanding and has reaffirmed that cast lead produced by Midland Lead Ltd is acceptable to NHBC when installed within the scope of the BBA certificate and to normal code of practices.”

Where no definitive standard exists or is referenced, NHBC requires alternative proprietary products to meet Technical Requirement R3, meaning it must have a valid third party technical accreditation from an appropriate approvals body. For Midland Lead’s machine cast lead – which can never qualify for BSEN 12588 as it is only applicable to lead manufactured through a milling process – this comes in the form of a British Board of Agrement (BBA) certificate; one of the UK’s leading notified bodies offering approval, certification and test services to manufacturers of products and systems supplying the construction industry.

“Our machine cast lead is made according to the same BS specification”, adds Boudewijn, “but instead of being manufactured through a milling process, it’s manufactured through a machine casting process – with the quality assurance of the BBA.”

For more than 80 years, the NHBC Standards have been the go-to source for trusted technical guidance for the house building sector, having been consistently developed, reviewed and revised. The new Standards 2016 will become effective for every new home registered with NHBC where foundations begin on or after 1 January 2016.

For more information, download our Top Line Facts sheet or read the acceptance letter of NHBC.